Laing O'Rourke appointed as Etihad Stadium construction partner

31 March 2014 11:36

Posted by @MCFC

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Manchester City Football Club today announces that international engineering company Laing O’Rourke has been selected as the construction partner for the expansion of the Etihad Stadium. Ground engineering work on the site will begin with immediate effect.

An international company with a regional Manchester base, Laing O’ Rourke is familiar with the Etihad Campus site, having led construction of the stadium itself for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. The company also played a significant role in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Global design practice Populous have worked with City from the initial feasibility stages of the project and will now oversee the construction phase of the project with Laing O’Rourke.

The appointment of Laing O’ Rourke follows the granting in February 2014 of planning permission to develop the North and South stands of the stadium, to eventually increase match capacity up to around 60 000. Prior to planning permission being given, the Club spent nine months consulting with fans, local residents and other stakeholders at a free exhibition on the Etihad Campus.

The first phase of construction will see the South Stand expanded by around 6000 seats, increasing stadium capacity from 48 000 to 54 000. The development of the North Stand is the second and later phase of construction, eventually taking the stadium to a capacity of 60 000.

The decision to increase the capacity of the Etihad Stadium has enabled the Club to introduce a new widely available £299 seasoncard and at the same time to improve the hospitality offering on site.

Significantly, and in line with all infrastructure developments undertaken by the Club, the expansion project provides both procurement and employment opportunities for the local community. 160 people will be employed through the project at its peak and up to 110 match day jobs will be created in this first phase alone.

Tom Glick, Chief Commercial Officer for Manchester City FC said:

“The expansion of the stadium is a hugely significant moment for City. We are delighted to announce Laing O’Rourke as a partner as we embark on this historic project.

Manchester City Football Club strives to provide its supporters and visiting fans with one of the best possible matchday experiences in the Premier League and European football. The success of this is demonstrated by games being sold out and rising demand from supporters for more season tickets, matchday tickets and premium seating.

Expanding the stadium allows us to grow that offering as we constantly work towards excellence for every supporter that visits the Etihad Stadium.”

“Laing O’Rourke is delighted to be expanding one of the UK’s most popular sports and leisure arenas for one of the most successful Premier League clubs.

“Our team is known for delivering logistically complex engineering work, combining expertise from across the Laing O’Rourke Group and our specialist businesses. This, along with our use of the latest Digital Engineering technologies, will help us to deliver efficiently with minimal disruption during match days, concerts and other events hosted throughout the year.”

POPULOUS Project Director Mike Trice said:

We are delighted to be working with Manchester City FC by shaping their vision for the delivery of this ambitious stadium expansion project. It is fitting that the club have partnered with a premium contractor such as Laing O’Rourke. The ongoing positive relationship between club and the contractor will be key to the continued operation of the building whist the construction of this landmark project progresses."